The Chemistry Nobel Prize has been awarded to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M Yaghi for their groundbreaking work on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) — a new class of materials that could help address some of the planet’s biggest environmental challenges.
Their research has potential applications in capturing carbon dioxide to combat climate change and reducing plastic pollution through innovative chemistry.
“I’m deeply honoured and delighted, thank you very much,” said Professor Kitagawa on the phone to a press conference after hearing the news. “How long do I have to stay here? Because I have to go out for a meeting,” he joked.
The three scientists will share the prize money of 11 million Swedish kronor (€1m).
What are metal-organic frameworks?
The scientists’ work focuses on how molecules can be built into structures known as metal-organic frameworks — or MOFs — which the Nobel committee described as “molecular architecture”.
They discovered how to create molecular constructions with large internal spaces through which gases and other chemicals can flow. These microscopic “rooms” can be used to capture and store harmful substances such as carbon dioxide and so-called forever chemicals (PFAS).
Each of the three researchers began working independently on these structures during the 1970s and 1980s. Professor Robson even modified his laboratory benches, drilling holes to attach wooden balls representing atoms to rods representing chemical bonds.
Potential uses for MOFs
Although MOFs have so far only been produced on a small scale, industries are now investigating ways to mass-produce them. Possible applications include breaking down toxic gases — including those used in nuclear weapons — and capturing carbon dioxide emissions from power stations and factories.
“Together, [the winners] have helped lay the foundations of and set the direction for one of the fastest-growing areas of fundamental research in modern chemistry,” said Professor Sheila Rowan, vice-president of the Royal Society.
Recognition for chemistry’s global role
The chemistry Nobel prize highlights the crucial role science plays in tackling environmental and sustainability challenges.
“Every year we see Nobel Prizes given to chemists who welcome the challenge of finding solutions to the biggest problems our global society faces – better healthcare, environmental protection, clean energy, and secure food and water for everyone,” said Dr Annette Doherty, president of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
The announcement was made by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm.
Professor Kitagawa works at Kyoto University in Japan, Professor Richard Robson at the University of Melbourne, and Professor Omar M Yaghi at the University of California, US.
A shared philosophy and diverse journeys
Professor Kitagawa was motivated by the principle of “the usefulness of useless”, inspired by the ancient Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi, who believed that even seemingly unhelpful things could hold hidden value.
Professor Yaghi, born in Amman, Jordan, grew up in a single room without electricity or running water. Captivated by molecular structures at school, he moved to the US at 15 to pursue his studies — a journey that would lead him to global scientific recognition through the chemistry Nobel prize.
This week’s other Nobel winners
It is the third science award of the week. On Tuesday, John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis won the Physics Nobel for their work on quantum mechanics that paved the way for quantum computing.
On Monday, three scientists received the Medicine Nobel for research into how the immune system attacks infections.
Also read: Scientists win Nobel Prize for immune system discovery
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